Eastport Community Notes, April 25

When I slid into the pew at church on Sunday morning my friend said, “It’s good to see you here.” I said, “It’s been a rough week. I needed to come.”And so it was. A week full of anxiety, uncertainty, fear, sadness and confusion. I needed an hour to myself in a safe, familiar and peaceful environment to recharge the battery, so-to-speak, for the week ahead.

The reverend seemed sad and troubled at first as he spoke quietly about the recent tragedy in Boston, the other recent tragedies, and all the tragedies that have befallen during the month of April in the past. He called April a “cruel month.” And he is right.

It is still the season of Easter and the hope that comes with resurrection and rebirth is still in our minds. The message that we can rise again, rise above this violence and sadness was sent out to us as his voice gained strength and power and hope.

“Give peace a chance,” the kind man told us. “Give peace a chance.”

John Lennon was hopeful as he sang that song back in 1969. We must be hopeful, too.

A birthday party for Clara Downing of Westhampton was held at the Downing home on Saturday, April 20. Clara turned two on April 19. She is the daughter of Tom and Jo Curtis Downing. And Tom’s birthday was on April 20. Happy birthday to them both!

The Eastport South Manor Music Boosters will hold a Plant and Bake Sale at the Eastport King Kullen on Sunday, May 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Home-baked goods and hearty annual plants will be available at great prices, so stop by early for the best selection.

Kempo Karate and Fitness has opened in Eastport, next to the bagel store on Montauk Highway. They offer karate classes for children as well as cardio kickboxing and Zumba classes for adults. Call (631) 395-6876 for more information and a class schedule.

The Eastport South Manor Community for the Arts will present psychic medium Jeffrey Wands at the high school in Manorville on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the group’s website, www.esmca.org, for $36 each.

E-books have arrived at ESM! So far a collection of more than 150 titles have been added, including classics like “Beowulf,” “The Canterbury Tales,” “Moby Dick,” “Little Woman” and “The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe.” The user name to log on is: esm. The password is: sharks. Check it out!